TR2/3/3A Modern Seal for Front Wheel Bearings TR3

[mgbmedic]

Everything I've read about the original felt seal scares me to no end. It's too thick and causes bearings not to seat properly. Well, the dumb question of the day...why isn't a modern seal fitted to the bearing kit? Is there a modern equivalent and if so, does anyone have the brand name and part number? It would be nice to go to NAPA and just pick up a part without having to order from a catalog, pay shipping and wait for days...wishful thinking. I'll just go back out to the garage and dream of driving my car again, someday.

 

[TR3driver]

Do you want an old car, or not? If not, sell the TR and buy a Miata. It uses much more modern technology.

I believe there is a lip-type seal available that will work, but no idea if you could find it at your local parts store. Personally, I've been using the original type seal for going-on 40 years and don't see any advantage to changing. Just leave the seal out until you can check where the nut belongs and mark it; then install the seal and put the nut back in the same place.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Do you want an old car, or not? If not, sell the TR and buy a Miata. It uses much more modern technology.

No need to get that drastic, the TR7 & TR8 use a nice "modern" type seal!

 

[TR3driver]

No need to get that drastic, the TR7 & TR8 use a nice "modern" type seal!

Good point, and I apologize for the snarky comment. Just having a bad day.

 

[Andrew Mace]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the original felt seal. The problem stems from the fact that some currently available replacement felt seals are upwards of twice as thick as the originals; that's all.

 

[CJD]

As a proponent, the felt does not groove the metal like "modern" seals do over time. Now, if only they would bring back the leather seals!

 

[martx-5]

Hey, what's wrong with owning a Miata?? I'll bet that there are a bunch of us closet Miata owners on this site.

There are times that I prefer to drive the TR3, and there are times I prefer the Miata...

 

[DNK]

Hey, what's wrong with owning a Miata?? I'll bet that there are a bunch of us closet Miata owners on this site.

There are times that I prefer to drive the TR3, and there are times I prefer the Miata...

Reading between the lines:

There are days I want to be uncomfortable. And days I want to be riding in comfort!

 

[mgbmedic]

I was having a bad day, too. I bought 2 new trunnion assemblies and one of them has a bad thread. So now I must reorder and pray they send a good one and thought if I could upgrade to a better seal, why not now.